Leeds fans react as Monk reportedly lands first January signing

Leeds have reportedly agreed to sign Pablo Hernandez on a permanent deal – and fans have taken to Twitter to express their delight.

The Yorkshire Evening Post claim the high flying Championship club have reached an agreement with Qatari club Al-Arabi over the terms of the transfer.

It is said that attacking midfielder Hernandez, whose five-month loan from the Middle East club expired on Monday, will sign permanently next week on a deal that runs until the end of the season and will include a 12-month option which can be triggered in the summer.

Leeds supporters are thrilled at the prospect of Hernandez, 31, extending his spell at the club and becoming their first January signing.

Hernandez, who has won four caps for Spain, joined Leeds initially in August from Al-Arabi on a temporary deal.

Despite only recently returning following a six-week absence with a hamstring injury, Hernandez has been a key figure in the Leeds side that have made a mockery of their small spend in last summer’s transfer market to become genuine promotion candidates.

Leeds ended the festive period fifth in the Championship table and well placed to challenge for a place in the play-offs and even automatic promotion.

Hernandez is a regular starter in Garry Monk’s side when fit and the manager’s first choice for the central playmaking role.

In total, he has made 18 appearances in all competitions for the club this season, which have yielded three goals and three assists.